Environmental and Health Risk of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) Levels Around Some Dumpsites in the Niger Delta Region: A Case Study of Yenagoa Metropolis - Environmental and Health Risk of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) Levels Around Some Dumpsites in the Niger Delta Region: A Case Study of Yenagoa Metropolis - Open Access Pub

Emission of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) from dumpsites has become a global threat due to its impact on global climate change. This study assessed the spatial and seasonal levels of H2S emissions from 6 dumpsites (LA - LF), with portable air quality meter (AEROQUAL-Series 300). Results showed that the spatial level of H2S ranged from 1.40 ppm - 14.34 ppm. Based on seasonal variation level of H2S ranged from 1.88 ppm – 3.86 ppm (p<0.05), with higher values in wet season. Meanwhile H2S were not detected in the control station (LX). Based on model for Air Quality Index (AQI), H2S emission was predominantly rated as safe and moderate, except for the two stations in the central dumpsite (LE and LF). These results confirmed the emission of H2S from the dumpsite due to anthropogenic activities. We therefore recommend policies aimed at sequestration of H2S, by the reduce, reuse and recycle policy of waste stream. DOI10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-19-3125 Air pollution is the introduction/emission of harmful solid or gaseous substances into the atmosphere, which are capable of inducing adverse effects to all forms of biodiversity including man and his valuable possessions. Harmful substances that impair air quality include Carbon monoxide, Oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur, Hydrogen Sulphide, Methane, Ammonia, suspended particulates etc. Air pollution results from both anthropogenic and lithogenic activities 1, however anthropogenic impacts and their sources are more influential compared to lithogenic impacts 1. As a result of poor and inappropriate management of Municipal solid waste, most cities are faced with serious health and environmental problems 2. High concentration of individual pollutant gases or their synergy with others 3, could have adverse human and environmental effects. Inhalation of these gases is one of the commonest means of exposure. Accumulation of pollutants in the human body through inhalation of air is an important route 4. Hydrogen Sulphide is basically responsible for the foul smell associated with dumpsites. According to Rim-Rukeh 5, it can be sensitive at concentration as little as 0.11 – 0.33 ppb, with flammability at highest and lowest concentrations of 44% and 4% respectively. Furthermore, it is colourless and denser than normal air, and has a characteristic property of an objectionable odour like rotten-egg, at a very minute concentration 5. Emission of H2S occurs when putrefying microbes decompose biomass under anaerobic conditions. It was reported by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that, besides emissions from fossil